The internet is heating up over a troubling video showing two Black boys being assaulted while enjoying the amenities of a South African resort, although justice has been served.
White adults make a scary change
The incident happened on Christmas Day at the Maselspoort Resort & Convention Center, located near Bloemfontein in the country’s Free State province.
While two Black teenagers were enjoying the pool area, they were confronted by two adult men who appeared to be trying to kick them out.
A scuffle quickly broke out. However, others quickly swarmed around – rather than the matter being eased – things just escalated. From trying to strangle him to pulling his hair, shoving and trying to keep one of the boys under water, the unacceptable situation saw the boys being exhausted trying to defend themselves.
The video was posted on social media by the sister of the young man passing by. @Tumii_Frost on Twitter. She also made sure to note that the teens were “attacked by these grown men because they don’t seem to be allowed in the pool because it’s exclusively for ‘whites’ here.”
You can watch part of the video below.
The public demands accountability
As the clip began to gain a lot of attention, Twitter users began to blame men for attacking Black teenagers. Notably, the matter even escalated to the point where various South African agencies caught up with what happened.
♦️In the picture♦️
The grassroots force of the EFF is commanded by the President of the province, Cmsr @Liphoko_Coach and Secretary Cmsr @MMsimanga_B against rasicm at Maselspoort. Rasicm cannot continue to show its ugly face in the communities where EFF exists. pic.twitter.com/rw0BQBUnxc
— EFF free state (@EFF_FreeState) December 26, 2022
MEC Mohale meets Maselspoort Management after racist incident
Following a racist incident at Maselspoort Resort in Bloemfontein Free State, @FSDESTEA MEC Makalo Mohale will meet with Masselspoort Management, SAPS and victims today.@Tumii_Frost#FreeState#racism pic.twitter.com/UPvGjAT6A2
– Free State World (@FreeStateWorld1) December 26, 2022
Black Forum SA will ensure that these white racist criminals are caught. We are a forum against racism. We will appoint our attorneys to ensure that justice is not only served, but also served.#Racism #BLACKFOUMSA pic.twitter.com/3V592NRxi7
– South African Black Forum (@BlackForumSA) December 26, 2022
According to Eyewitness News, a outlet in South Africa, the country’s tourism agency criticized the events in a statement.
“As a leader in tourism, we do not endorse this type of behavior by establishments or patrons at a tourist establishment or any other hospitality establishment. We urge all tourism businesses and product owners to take resolute action and stand against such incidents.”
Three arrests have been made in the case, and one suspect has been charged with attempted murder
Thankfully, justice worked quickly when the three suspects were taken into custody on December 28. While two were charged with common assault, one was being held for attempted murder.
JUST IN: Three people were arrested for #MaselspoortResort attack. Johan Nel and Jan Stephanus van der Westhuizen appeared in court on charges of assault and common injury. The third suspect will appear in court tomorrow for attempted murder.@khanya_mntambo https://t.co/lJvAO0CmK6
– EWN reporter (@ewnreporter) December 28, 2022
The boys’ sister confirmed the news via a Twitter thread.
[Cont…]
UPDATE: After adding more charges, the investigation team worked around the clock to uncover the suspects, we can confirm that three suspects were arrested today, the first two were arrested for the first time. arrivals from Bothaville and Brandfort…
– TWIN FL🔥ME (@Tumii_Frost) December 28, 2022
[Cont…]
Bloemdal’s third, 48-year-old suspect in Bloemfontein was arrested shortly after 12:00 and will be charged with Intentional Manslaughter, he will remain in custody and is expected to appear in Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Thursday,
– TWIN FL🔥ME (@Tumii_Frost) December 28, 2022
[Cont…]
“This matter is considered very sensitive, therefore we have called on our team to handle it with the urgency it deserves.” Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane said.
FINISH
– TWIN FL🔥ME (@Tumii_Frost) December 28, 2022
There are no further updates on the situation at this time.
